Updated on 10/12/21 with new skincare products
Is your tween or teen boy struggling with acne and breakouts? Here are the 5 key skincare steps to take for a clearer complexion that actually works! My 13-year old nephew follows this routine and it helps keep his stubborn mask-related acne at bay. These steps and products work for various skin types, ranging from oily to sensitive skin.
This post was inspired by my 13-yeard old nephew. He suffered from acne as he entered his puberty stage. Plus wearing a mask to school every day definitely contributed to breakouts. My nephew stressed about his pimples and had zero ideas of what to do!
The caring aunt that I am, introduced to him the 5 key boys skin care steps he needed to follow. I showed him exactly how to cleanse his face and apply lotion along with when to use each product.
At first, he struggled to remember to wash his face every day or exfoliate weekly. Although with a little cheat sheet (below you can download!) his skincare routine became second nature. It is possible for all the moms who want their teenager to at least wash his face.
Here are the 5 key essential steps for boys skin care and products that work for them.
1. Face Wash
The first and foremost step. It’s important for your tween and teen boy to wash his face. This step removes excess oil, build-up, and dirt that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
If he has a hard time washing his face twice a day (recommended), at least have him wash it after school. If he takes any physical education class or does sports at school, cleansing the face is extra important!
Best Affordable Face Cleansers
Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser A great affordable starter face wash that leaves the skin squeaky clean. The foamy lather gently washes away dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. The glycerin-based cleanser is safe for sensitive skin and dermatologist tested. TryCetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: My 13-year-old nephew uses this face wash because it can be used for the body! Two in one is better than trying to use two separate products. My nephew saw an improvement with his skin after using CeraVe for about a month. Try the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Dr. Jart MicroFoam Cleanser: It is a great cleanser for transition to adulthood. It’s one of my top favorite cleansers because it works. I recommend this cleanser if you live in a high populated city. It’s the only cleanser that really deep cleaned my skin while living in NYC. Try Dr. Jart MicroFoam Cleanser
Pro-Tip’s
- If your tween or teen has a hard time remembering to cleanse his face, place his face wash next to his tooth brush or in the shower.
- Make sure he doesn’t mistake hand soap as a face cleanser! My nephew did this and it wasn’t good.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating is another important step to clearer skin. It sloths away dead skin cell that causes build-up and pimples. It also makes the skin feel softer and smoother.
My nephew had tiny bumps and dry skin on his cheeks. After exfoliating every week for a month, 90% of the bumps disappeared! He continues to exfoliate every Friday.
“My face feels smoother and no bumps on my cheeks after exfoliating for a month!”
My nephew
Best Exfoliators
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant: Hands down, one of the best exfoliants I’ve used in my life! It got rid of 70% of my stubborn acne in just 3 days after using it morning and night. The BHA ingredient deeply penetrates into the pores to cleanse and get rid of the breakouts. Perfect for existing pimples that just won’t away. Read more about my review and results after 7 days
Mario Badescu Botanical Scrub: My nephew uses this and loves it. As I said, it got rid of stubborn bumps on his cheeks, leaving his skin feeling smoother. I’ve used it on my sensitive skin and it worked really well without any irritations. This is a great option if your tween or teen has dry patches or dull-looking skin. Try Mario Badescu Botanical Scrub
Pro-Tips
- Worried your teen forgets to exfoliate? Leave it next to his toothbrush or in the shower so he sees it. My nephew leaves his in the shower and that’s the only way he remembers to scrub.
- Overly exfoliating can lead to an increase in oil production, which can caues more breakouts. Follow your products’ instructions and use it accordingly.
3. Spot Treatment
The best time to apply spot treatments is once you see them for the first time. It helps to reduce the size and inflammation of the pimple versus waiting it out.
If you use Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant, you most likely will not need another spot treatment since it’s an acne-fighting product. Consult with your child’s physician or dermatologist.
Best Affordable Spot Treaments
CeraVe Acne Treatment Gel: A great drugstore acne treatment worth trying! The gel works hard on both the outer and inner layers of the skin. . The acne gel is also gentle enough for sensitive skin. It has Ceramides and Niacinamides that nourish and calms the skin. Try CeraVe Acne Treatment Gel
Mighty Patch Original: Perfect for pimples with whiteheads! It’s my favorite pimple patch because it sucks out the whitehead overnight and helps diminish the pimple faster. My nephew is also a fan as it is pretty fun to see the gunk it pulls out. Try the Mighty Patch Original
Pro-Tips
- Most acne-spot treatments require regular useage of their products to see results. Read and follow their directions accordingly.
4. Moisturize
An essential step for boys skin care! Yes, even for oily skin. When using the right face lotion per skin type, can protect the skins’ barrier and control oil production. Don’t know your teen’s skin type?
Take a free quiz, with an email to find out!
Best Affordable Face Lotions
CeraVe AM & PM Face Lotion Set: A cult favorite amongst the Gen-Z’s. It’s a great hydrating moisturizer for normal, combination, and oily skin. The daytime lotion has SPF 30 included protecting against UV rays while the PM lotion has calming properties to keep skin at bay at night. Try the CeraVe AM & PM Face Lotion Set
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion: My personal favorite as it’s hydrating yet not greasy for normal, dry, and sensitive skin. I use it morning and night for my sensitive skin. It calms down the redness on my cheeks while balancing out the oiliness. It’s definitely a staple product in my skincare routine! Try CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Pro-Tips
- Experiencing dry skin? Switch to a cream like First Aid Ultra Repair cream. It absorbs quickly while deeply hydrating the skin.
- Don’t skip on moisturizing! When I was a pre-teen I didnt’ wear lotion thinking it would make my acne disapper. I was wrong. My face was greasier and more irritated. Don’t make this mistake.
5. Sunscreen
The last step in the skincare routine. It is important to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen also helps with anti-aging, which your tween or teen doesn’t need to worry about yet. But still.
Best Sunscreens
Elta MD Broad Spectrum SPF 45: A personal favorite of mine. This is a great sunscreen for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin. I’ve been using it for years and hasn’t caused more breakouts. Get Elta MD Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Hero Cosmetics Force Shield: This sunscreen was made for acne! I use this and it diminishes the appearance of redness. The formula is designed to help oily skin. Read the 7 reasons why you might like it
Pro-Tips
- To remove sunblock, using a double cleansing method is the best approach. If this is too much for your teen or tween, advise to wash face with his cleanser twice.
Tips on How to Keep Up with the Routine
Here are a few simple ways to keep up with boys skin care routines for those just starting out. I give credit to my nephew who helped create this list:
- Consistency and patience are key! You have to follow the routine every day and wait for at least around a month to see results.
- Keep products in the same place. Whether it’s on the sink counter or in the shower, it’ll help you to follow a routine.
- Keep a note on the mirror of each step for a gentle reminder. Click on the checklist below and download to use!
So there you have it! A simple beginner’s guide to boys skin care.